title: The relevance of Nash equilibrium to psychiatric disorders.
abstract: In game theory, the word 'game' is used to describe any interdependence between interacting parties, and the Nash equilibrium is a prominent tool for analysing such interactions. I argue that the concept of the Nash equilibrium may also be used in non-gaming contexts. An individual is in a Nash equilibrium if his or her beliefs are consistent with his or her actions. Given that discordance between beliefs and behaviour is a typical cause of psychiatric disorders, individuals who are not in a Nash equilibrium are likely to be affected by such disorders. In this regard, the concept of the Nash equilibrium could aptly be introduced into the medical practitioner's vocabulary for describing a patient's mental health status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, University of Athens, UADPhilEcon, Evripidou 14, 10559, Athens, Greece. apatokos@econ.uoa.gr
authors.forename: Tassos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patokos
mesh_terms: D005716:Game Theory; D006801:Humans; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000639:trends; D012649:Self Concept